11 year old boy?

Question

should a 11 year old take his ritalin la because his hyper on the weekends when his with his dad

Answer 1

Ritalin is bad news. I would try to find out what is going on  on the weekends that's making my son so nervous. Maybe he's being abused by someone.

Answer 2

If he has been prescribed medication and is supposed to be on it all the time then he needs to be on it no matter which parent he is with...by the way Ritalin isn't given because the child is "hyper" Ritalin is given when there has been a diagnosis of ADHD.  There IS a difference.

Answer 3

Dad needs to learn how to deal.  That is a form of abuse.  It is not healthy he would have withdrawls when not taking during the week.

Answer 4

You've got your son on Ritalin just because he's hyper on the weekends when he's with his father?   I really hope I'm misunderstanding you on this one.   Had it occured to you that your son is hyper when he sees his Dad because he only sees him on the weekend?  

I really don't know your situation so I can't judge.  I'm not a huge fan of Ritalin.  It turns high energy kids into zombies so parents don't have to deal with them.  Only kids with severe AD/HD really even need it.  I have a son who is mildy austic but not AD/HD and have had doctors try to put him on Ritalin just because it would make my life "easier" so it's obviously not that hard to get and often abused.

Answer 5

no why should he. his with his dad lol

Answer 6

yes, he should stay on his medication even on the week-ends. when he is with his dad.

Answer 7

I assume your son is ADHD.  My son is also ADHD and takes meds to help with his attention during school and outside activities.  I would recommend contacting your physician.  Some drugs used for ADHD should not be administered during the weekends and breaks unless absolutely needed..this is called a "drug holiday".  Some drugs are taken every day without break because they only work with a build up in the system.   I am unfamiliar with Ritalin as are most  ( unless they take it or their child takes it) so really only your physician would be the right person to ask.  Sorry I couldn't be of more help.  Good Luck!

Answer 8

Yes and no.  

YES he needs his medicine regardless of where he is, or who he's visiting.  

NO. He should not take it, it shoudl be dispensed  by his father.  If the dad is not giving him his medicine, he can be charged with endangerment or negligence.

Answer 9

My son is ten, with pretty severe ADHD, but we are using behavior control at the moment - we haven't resorted to meds yet, but we will when the time comes (and probably soon).  

With that said, I don't know that I understand the question.  Does he need to take Ritalin because he is hyper with dad?  Or is it that dad is not making sure he takes his medication and you are looking for a reason to point out to dad that it is important?  

I read at the Dr. Sears website that sometimes it takes two parents to help a kid deal with ADHD.  The medication can sometimes block the creative sides, leave them a little dulled personality wise (not that it is a bad thing when you consider the impulsively and the immaturity).  Being with dad and not taking his meds might help him feel a little more himself for a little while.  It is very common for the father of an ADHD child to not want the children on meds and in divorced families common for the child to go off his meds when at dads house for that reason (not medically speaking - just that the parent who doesn't like the meds will not dispense them, and that parent is typically the father).  

Frankly, if dad wants to deal with it I say let him as long as there aren't any severe rebound effects.  If there are, make note of how they effect your sons life going on and off the medication and ask your ex to make sure that he takes his meds so he doesn't have to suffer.  If you point out how it harms him, your ex may be more inclined to make sure he takes them.

Answer 10

ADHD kids should take there medicine 7 days a week.  It helps them succeed more every day.

Answer 11

If he is prescribed a medication to take he needs to take it as directed. Of course he is hyper on his weekends with dad -- it's very exciting for him I'm sure especially in visitation circumstances.